N° 047 - TEAM YAMAHA HOLLAND TEAM
- WILLEMSEN
- Daniel
- NLD
- 07/05/1975
|
| MODEL |
MAKE |
| WRF 450 |
YAMAHA |
Daniel Willemsen is a thrill seeker. This year he won his sixth consecutive world motocross side-car championship (all-time record) and is now in search of new challenge. He will set off on his second Dakar, following a fantastic 48th overall finish in his first attempt, two years ago. “I needed a new target”, explains this professional mechanic. “Side-car became easy for me. Here, just the idea of being alone changes everything. And I had to learn about navigation.” Daniel learned the subtleties of the road book the hard way. “My most vivid memory was when I got lost in the desert. I had no idea where I was or how to find the right direction. Before my team mate found me and got me back on my way, I felt like I was the only one in the world.” It was such a strong sensation that I’ll never forget.”
Daniel had already forged a steel mentality thanks to his side-car career; “My frame of mind is to always run up front and never quit.” Today, despite his experience in 2007, Daniel doesn’t think he can compete with the best. “I still need to master a lot of parameters.” He’s already rejoicing about the difficulties of the rally. “I want it to be difficult. That’s why I’m going!”
